Published: Friday, August 1, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 9:38 p.m.

Born in Pickens County, S.C., he was the son of the late J. O. and Mabel Wynn Hayes. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Bradshaw and Ruby Wolfe, and a brother, the Rev. R. B. Hayes.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy in the Mediterranean area. He retired after almost 40 years service with the Saluda Post Office as a rural mail carrier. He was of the Baptist faith, a devout Christian husband and father.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with the Rev. Perry Forrest, the Rev. Walter Gordon and the Rev. Henry Vegter officiating. Burial will be in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Saluda. Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. today in the McFarland Funeral Chapel. An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

<p>Oscar Thomas "O. T." Hayes, 87, of Hayes Drive, Saluda, died Thursday, July 31, 2008, in St. Luke's Hospital, Columbus, N.C.</p><p>Born in Pickens County, S.C., he was the son of the late J. O. and Mabel Wynn Hayes. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Bradshaw and Ruby Wolfe, and a brother, the Rev. R. B. Hayes.</p><p>He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy in the Mediterranean area. He retired after almost 40 years service with the Saluda Post Office as a rural mail carrier. He was of the Baptist faith, a devout Christian husband and father.</p><p>He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruby Holbert Hayes; two daughters, Cecilia Hayes of Hendersonville and Elizabeth (Libby) Bradley and husband, Wayne, of Saluda; two sons, the Rev. Tom Hayes and wife, Cindy; and Jeff Hayes and wife, Jill, of Saluda; and a brother, Cecil Hayes of Tryon. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Andolyn Herndon, Kerry Jones, Sheremy Finley, Alethea Capps, Milland Bradley, Angela Hayes, Clarenda Lindsey, Laradon Pilot, Jennifer Hayes, Akaisha Hayes and Dillon Hayes; and 10 great-grandchildren.</p><p>A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with the Rev. Perry Forrest, the Rev. Walter Gordon and the Rev. Henry Vegter officiating. Burial will be in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Saluda. Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. today in the McFarland Funeral Chapel. An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.</p><p>McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.</p>